A rare pair of early George III painted and gilt papier-mâché brackets circa 1764, By Bromwich and Leigh, Ludgate Hill, London

of pierced serpentine form, gilding refreshed

Supplied in 1764 to Edward, 5th Lord Leigh (d.1786) for Stoneleigh Abbey, Warwickshire.
Thence by descent at Stoneleigh until sold Christie's house sale, 15 October 1981, lot 67 (part of the lot).
Bought from Norman Adams, 23 May 1984.
50 Years of Collecting, The Decorative Arts of Georgian England, Christie's London, 14 May 2003, lot 99.

Recorded in Thomas Bromwich`s bill  28th May 1763 to 16th June 1764 totalling £356 7s. 0 1/2d. and receipted by him on 10th December 1765:

Miss Leigh`s Bedchamber ( June 16 1764)

20 Papier Mache Knots in Party gold @ 2/-    £2 - -

15 feet of D Border @ 9d                                    - 11s   3d

2 Brackets in D @ 7/-                                          -   14s   -

Part of this room is illustrated in W.A.Thorpe, 'Stoneleigh Abbey and Its Furniture-II', The Connoisseur, March 1947, P.19.

Generally these are in good condition. Both have had some minor repairs visible to the reverse. The gilding and pained decoration has been refreshed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Thomas Bromwich and Leonard Leigh were a celebrated firm of upholsterers and paper-stainers `At the Golden Lyon', Ludgate Hill, London, circa 1758-76, after which the firm became Bromwich, Isherwood & Bradley, Paperhangers, at 35 Ludgate Hill. Their commissions included Alscot, Corsham Court, Croome Court and extensive re-decorations after the Lord Leigh`s coming of age in 1763.